TOP 11 Best Fly Fishing Spots in Florida (Your Bucket List)

An enthusiastic fly fisherman will be amazed to experience everything that Florida a.k.a the “Sunshine State” has to offer.

Whether you want to go fly fishing on the mangrove bays and murky swamps, the flat riverbeds, or hit the shores for the big game, Florida has it all.

On one end of Florida lies the Gulf of Mexico, and on the other side, lies the Atlantic Ocean. Ultimately, Florida is one of the most perfect destinations to experience the thrill of fly fishing.

Other techniques of fishing simply require you to cast your line and wait patiently for the fish to grab a bite and get hooked.

However, fly fishing actually requires you to use your brain and mental capacity to a great extent. You have to consider all the vital things such as the timing, location, method, and species you are targeting.

Though the whole of this state features terrific fly-fishing spots, here are some of the best spots for fly fishing in Florida you must check out.

Florida provides excellent opportunities for fly fishing and contains a plethora of both saltwater and freshwater spots. In fact, freshwater fly fishing is one of the best ways to explore Florida’s serene and beautiful natural resources.

There are countless series of tiny lakes that offer you the experience of a lifetime. You can choose from thousands of water bodies like lakes, ponds, canals, and rivers to enjoy freshwater fly-fishing in Florida.

There are so many amazing places one can head down to and experience fly fishing in Florida. While some of them are perfect, others might not be as accommodating.

Here are some of the most recommended spots for fly fishing in Florida, whether it is saltwater or freshwater fly fishing.

Naples

Located on the south-west coast of Florida, Naples is a paradise for fly fishermen. It lies in the vicinity of some of the most popular fishing spots like Big Cypress National Preserve, Ten Thousand Islands, and Everglades.

This is why it is the ideal place to begin fly fishing. Additionally, Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the northern part of America.

Naples provides an initial start-up line of coastal critters, to begin with. These include Pompano, Snook, Permit, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Barracuda, Tarpon, Amberjacks, and several kinds of Snapper.

Offshore species like Marlin, Grouper, Tuna, Cobia, and Sailfish can also be hunted. Naples is one of the finest and top-recommended places for those keen on doing saltwater fly fishing.

Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee is one of Florida’s largest lakes it stretches out over an area of 450,000 acres. It is one of the greatest freshwater lakes for fly fishing in all of the United States.

Lake Okeechobee hosts some of the most significant worldwide fishing tournaments, which also enhances its status amongst fishermen from all around the world.

The lake’s size is so vast that it does not feel too crowded. Several measures have been executed to prevent the fish species from dying and ensure they keep prospering.

Lake Okeechobee is ideal for bass fishing and the west and north side offers ample bass quantity. Besides bass, anglers can experience some bites from bluegills.

The Florida Keys

The majority of the fishing locations change according to seasons. The amount of fish they have to offer will either increase or decrease.

The Florida Keys is a spot that provides massive amounts of fish all around the year. Nonetheless, early spring or late winter is ideal for people who wish to fly fish in this incredible spot.

If you visit Florida during winters, the Florida Keys should be at the top of your list. This place offers a fantastic chance to fly fish for bonefish and tarpon. Simply throw the cast accurately and wait for the fish to get hooked.

There is just one drawback of choosing The Florida Keys as your fly-fishing destination. You need to be aware of the right time when you are most likely to find the fly fish species.

Lake Kissimmee

If you lack the time and still want the satisfaction of striking several fishes, then Lake Kissimmee is the best place to head to.

Evidently, Lake Kissimmee is renowned for its fly fish species like bluegill, bass, and black crappie.

When you visit the home grounds of these species, you are bound to catch more fish in a relatively short period of tie.

Though Lake Kissimmee might not be the most appealing or scenic place for fly fishing, it is incredibly convenient.

Boca Grande

The Boca Grande is a spot in Florida that is likely to impress you to a great extent. Evidently, tarpons are one of the most significant and sought-after species when it comes to fly fishing.

Boca Grande should be the number one option for fishermen who wish to get their hands on the most tarpons anywhere in the world.

It remains a hidden mystery, but this species seems to simply adore this place. The Myakka and Peace River feed Boca Grande with ample saltwater fish, so there is no chance it will ever run short.

Moreover, there are tons of fantastic beaches to discover that also offer opportunities for fly fishing. Since Boca Grande is an island, it provides the perfect balance of fly fishing amidst an alluring landscape.

Little Econ River

If you are merely visiting Florida and are hesitant to venture too far, Little Econ River is a suitable spot for you. The Little Econ River is situated close to the attraction sites so you can visit it anytime you want. This tiny little spot offers anglers a chance to catch an abundance of bass.

As mentioned repeatedly, the bass is one of the best species to fly fish for.

Anglers can cast their flies and wait till the bass bites. In the meanwhile, you can relax and bask in the enthralling vistas of this place.

Lake Tarpon

Another fantastic place for anglers interested in tarpon fly-fishing is Lake Tarpon. The name “Lake Tarpon” speaks for itself that this place is all about tarpons.

Lake Tarpon is one of the most appropriate locations for striking a horde of tarpons.

Besides this, you will also be lucky to score a handful of bass if you use your impressive fly-fishing tricks. Lake Tarpon is a small and tranquil spot to go fishing.

In fact, this is the perfect way to escape the city’s ruckus and enjoy a calm day of fly fishing.

Destin

Destin is an excellent “Destin”-ation for fly fishing. The thing that makes Destin stand out from other spots is its impressive neon green water body.

Fly fishing is the ultimate way to get up-close and personal with nature, so what better way would there be to get close to nature than to visit Destin.

This green spot reflects nature in its best form. You are bound to find many varieties of insects here that can be used to lure the fish.

Destin and its sandy beaches provide a plethora of species that can easily be tricked using some of the most basic fly-fishing techniques.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a fenced beach that is situated in Palm Beach County. One can view the strikingly enchanting Atlantic Ocean from here.

Palm Beach is the ultimate spot that features many different places for fly fishing, so anglers will never get tired of one particular spot.

Reefs, beaches, estuaries – you name it, and Palm Beach has it. It can be rightly said that Palm Beach is an excellent fly-fishing destination.

It offers a wide selection of species to make your fly-fishing game more interesting.

Islamorada

The village of Islamorada features six islands along the line of Florida Keys. These comprise Windley Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Plantation Key, and Tea Table Key.

Its location within the Florida Key premises enables Islamorada to receive advantages of the Gulf Stream and Florida Current, both.

Islamorada has rightly earned the title of “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Here, you can fly fish for sailfish and marlin during morning hours and spend the day searching redfish, snook, and tarpon in the flats.

Note that there are only a minority of places that give you this dual access.

Orange Lake

The Orange Lake lies 32 km towards the southeast of Gainesville. This 12,500-acre property is famous for its dense vegetation. Anglers can expect the quality of fishing through its magnificent valleys and peaks.

During periods of drought, the standard of fishing falls remarkably. However, soon after the water levels rise back to their normal state, the chances of fishing go up.

It is advised to check the current situation and water levels of Orange Lake before visiting this spot for fly fishing. If the water level is optimal, Orange Lake is one of the most ideal places for fly fishing.

In Conclusion

These were only but a handful of the best locations amongst the heaps of fly-fishing spots one can go to in Florida.

The places mentioned above provide convenience and let you take full advantage of beauty of mother nature.